Bill 118 s 3797, also known as the Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services for Native Americans and Alaska Natives who receive care through the Indian Health Service (IHS) or through contracts with the IHS.
One of the key provisions of the bill is to increase funding for the Purchased and Referred Care (PRC) program, which helps Native Americans and Alaska Natives access care that is not available through the IHS. This funding increase would help to reduce wait times for appointments, improve the quality of care provided, and expand the range of services available to patients.
Additionally, the bill aims to streamline the PRC program by simplifying the process for patients to access care, improving coordination between the IHS and outside healthcare providers, and increasing transparency in the program's operations. This would help to ensure that Native Americans and Alaska Natives receive the care they need in a timely and efficient manner.
Overall, the Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act seeks to address the challenges faced by Native Americans and Alaska Natives in accessing healthcare services and to improve the quality of care they receive. By increasing funding, streamlining the PRC program, and enhancing coordination between healthcare providers, this bill has the potential to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of these communities.